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Popularity of Cyber Monday raises risk to computer security

With 87 percent of retailers offering a special promotion for Cyber Monday, according to shop.org, more people than ever will be surfing for holiday gifts this year. In fact, according to a recent study from MarketLive, 55 percent of surveyed shoppers plan to shop online this year, up from 49 percent last year - meaning more people will be risking their computer and internet safety. One rising threat, according to Verizon, is “SideJacking.” SideJackers target wireless networks in businesses, public hot spots and residential areas to steal personal data. These new threats, combined with phishing scams, malware and viruses, place personal information at higher risk for identity theft during the hectic holiday season. “After years of internet scams, today's online shoppers have become much more savvy - but, unfortunately, so have the bad guys,” said Pete Castleton, executive director of corporate marketing for Verizon. “It's critically important for people shopping online this holiday season to take steps to protect their personal information.” As many as 128 million people are expected to do their holiday shopping over the Thanksgiving weekend, with nearly one-quarter of them expected to shop online.